7 Types of Espresso Coffee Drinks: Which One Suits Your Taste Best?

Espresso is the heart of many coffee drinks and a true favorite among coffee lovers. It’s known for its bold flavor, rich aroma, and smooth crema that sits on top of a perfectly pulled shot. Whether you’re starting your day or need an afternoon pick-me-up, espresso can offer just the right amount of energy and warmth.

But espresso isn’t just one type of drink, there are many delicious espresso-based variations out there. Each has its own taste, strength, and milk-to-coffee ratio. If you’ve ever been confused by the difference between a latte and a cappuccino, or wondered if you’d enjoy a flat white more than an Americano, this guide is for you.

In this blog, we’ll explore 7 of the most popular types of espresso coffee drinks. We’ll break down what makes each one unique and who it’s best suited for. By the end, you’ll be ready to order with confidence or even try making your favorite at home.

Key Takeaways

• Espresso is the foundation of many popular coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos, with a unique flavor, texture, and milk ratio.
• Understanding the 7 main types of espresso drinks: Espresso, Doppio, Ristretto, Americano, Macchiato, Cappuccino, and Latte, helps you choose the one that best fits your taste preferences.
• The strength and creaminess of each espresso drink vary based on the amount of water, milk, and foam used, making it easier to find your perfect cup based on how bold or smooth you like your coffee.
• Specialty espresso drinks like Mochas and Affogatos add creative flair, blending coffee with chocolate, ice cream, or flavored syrups for dessert-like indulgence.
• With Orleans Coffee’s high-quality beans, you can easily brew café-style espresso drinks at home, whether using an espresso machine, Moka pot, or AeroPress.
• Choosing the right espresso drink comes down to personal preference, and exploring different styles helps develop your palate while enjoying the variety espresso offers.

Specialty coffee drinks go beyond the average cup of joe, making your morning (or evening) coffee a real treat! Specialty coffee drinks are coffee-based drinks that are mixed with milk, cream, sugar, and other tasty ingredients to make a unique beverage. These are the kinds of drinks you can find at coffee shops and they’re absolutely possible to make at home!

We always recommend using the highest quality ingredients and brewing techniques to have the ultimate specialty coffee drink to start your day. Starting with high-quality coffee means that no matter what you’re adding to your coffee drink, you’ll have a great-tasting drink. 

What Is Espresso and Why Is It So Popular?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee shot made by pushing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. This brewing method extracts the full flavor, aroma, and oils from the beans in a short time, usually around 25–30 seconds. The result is a small but powerful drink, often 1 ounce in size, with a rich body and a layer of golden crema on top.

Why do people love it so much? Espresso offers a deep, bold flavor that regular drip coffee can’t match. It’s strong, smooth, and versatile. You can enjoy it on its own or use it as the base for many popular coffee drinks.

Espresso is also:

• Quick to make: Ideal for busy mornings.
• Customizable: Add milk, foam, or flavor shots to create endless variations.
• Strong but smooth: Less bitter when made well, with a creamy texture from the crema.

Its Italian origins and strong coffee culture have helped spread espresso around the world. Today, it’s a staple in every coffee shop and kitchen, offering a flavorful experience in every sip.

1. Espresso (The Classic)

The original and purest form of coffee, a classic espresso, is a single shot (about 1 ounce) of concentrated coffee. It’s known for its deep, bold flavor, rich aroma, and golden crema. There’s no milk or sugar added, just coffee in its most intense form.

Espresso is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy strong, robust flavors. It’s also the foundation for many other espresso drinks.

Here’s how it’s made:

• Finely ground coffee beans are tamped (pressed) into a portafilter.
• Hot water (around 195–205°F) is forced through the grounds under 9 bars of pressure.
• The process takes about 25–30 seconds to extract the perfect shot.

Types of espresso shots:

• Single (Solo): 1 ounce of espresso.
• Double (Doppio): 2 ounces stronger and more balanced.
• Ristretto: Shorter extraction with a richer, more concentrated taste.
• Lungo: Longer extraction, resulting in a milder but more bitter drink.

A good espresso should be bold, slightly sweet, and never bitter. The crema on top is a sign of freshness and quality. If you like the pure flavor of coffee without anything added, espresso might be your perfect match.

2. Macchiato (Espresso with a Hint of Milk Foam)

A macchiato is the perfect middle ground between a straight espresso and a milk-based drink. The name “macchiato” means “stained” or “marked” in Italian. That’s exactly what it is, an espresso shot marked with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam.

This drink is great if you want the bold taste of espresso but with a touch of softness. It’s a simple, no-fuss coffee option that still lets the espresso shine.

How it’s made:

• Start with a single or double shot of espresso.
  Add a dollop of steamed milk or foam on top, just enough to lighten the flavor.

Types of macchiatos:

• Traditional Macchiato: Mostly espresso with a spoonful of foam.
• Latte Macchiato: More milk and foam, often layered for a creamy texture.
  Caramel Macchiato: A flavored version made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and caramel drizzle.

A macchiato offers a little balance between strength and creaminess. It’s a favorite for those who want the strong kick of espresso but without the full intensity. Plus, it’s a quick, satisfying drink that’s easy to enjoy any time of the day.

3. Cortado (Balanced and Smooth)

If you’re looking for balance, the cortado might be your go-to espresso drink. Originating from Spain, this smooth beverage is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk softens the sharpness of the espresso without overpowering it, giving you a mellow yet rich experience.

How it’s made:

• One shot (or two) of espresso.
• Equal amount of steamed milk (no foam).

The steamed milk in a cortado isn’t frothy like in a cappuccino. Instead, it has a silky texture that blends smoothly with the espresso. This results in a drink that’s rich but not too creamy, strong but not too intense.

Why coffee lovers enjoy cortado:

• It keeps the espresso flavor front and center.
• It’s less acidic and more mellow than a straight shot.
• The smaller size makes it a satisfying but not overwhelming drink.

A cortado is often served in a small glass, making it feel more personal and elegant. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys the taste of coffee but wants to cut the edge with a bit of milk.

4. Cappuccino (Frothy and Flavorful)

Cappuccino is one of the most loved espresso drinks, especially for morning routines. It’s a beautiful mix of bold espresso, silky steamed milk, and light, airy foam, each in equal parts. The result is a creamy, frothy delight with a balanced taste and pleasing texture.

How it’s made:

• 1/3 espresso
• 1/3 steamed milk
• 1/3 milk foam

The foam on top gives it a light, airy feel and helps retain heat, while the espresso and milk underneath create a smooth, layered flavor.

Popular cappuccino variations:

• Dry Cappuccino: Less steamed milk, more foam. Stronger coffee flavor.
• Wet Cappuccino: More steamed milk, less foam. Creamier texture.
• Iced Cappuccino: Cold milk and foam served over ice.

Cappuccinos are often finished with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a touch of sweetness. They’re served in small to medium cups (5–6 ounces), making them perfect for those who want a flavorful coffee without it being too heavy.

The frothy texture and balanced flavor make cappuccino a classic and comforting espresso choice.

5. Latte (Smooth and Creamy)

A latte is a favorite for many because of its creamy texture and mild coffee taste. It’s made with one shot of espresso and a generous amount of steamed milk, topped with just a thin layer of milk foam.

How it’s made:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 2 for a stronger taste)
• 6–8 ounces of steamed milk
• A thin layer of milk foam on top

Lattes are smooth, comforting, and can easily be customized with flavored syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel. They’re typically served in larger cups or mugs (8–12 ounces), making them perfect for slow sipping.

Why people love lattes:

• Mild espresso flavor, ideal for beginners
• Very creamy and satisfying
• Great for adding flavor syrups or spices

Lattes can also be served cold (iced lattes), where espresso is poured over cold milk and ice, offering a refreshing version for warm days. It’s also the drink of choice for latte art lovers, thanks to the smooth milk foam.

If you enjoy milk-forward drinks with just a touch of espresso flavor, a latte is a great choice.

6. Flat White (Rich Yet Silky)

A flat white is similar to a latte but with a stronger coffee taste and a velvety texture. Originating from Australia and New Zealand, it uses more espresso and less milk, creating a richer and more concentrated drink.

How it’s made:

• 1–2 shots of espresso (often ristretto for a sweeter profile)
• 4 ounces of steamed milk with microfoam

Microfoam is the key to a flat white. It’s milk steamed to a silky, velvety consistency with tiny bubbles that create a smooth texture without being frothy like a cappuccino.

Flat white vs. latte:

• Flat white has less milk than a latte.
• It has a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio.
• It’s usually served in a smaller cup (5–6 ounces).

This drink is ideal for those who want something creamier than an espresso but stronger than a latte. The microfoam blends perfectly with the espresso, offering a smooth mouthfeel with every sip.

It’s also a great choice for showcasing the flavor of high-quality espresso beans, like the ones Orleans Coffee offers.

7. Americano (Espresso Meets Hot Water)

The Americano is a simple yet satisfying espresso drink that’s ideal for those who prefer a milder flavor. It’s made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso, creating a drink that’s similar in strength to drip coffee but with the rich flavor of espresso.

How it’s made:

• 1 shot of espresso (or more if desired)
• 4–6 ounces of hot water poured over the espresso

The water dilutes the espresso slightly but retains its deep flavor and aroma. The result is a smooth, full-bodied drink that’s less intense than a straight espresso but bolder than regular coffee.

Tips:

• Add the water after the espresso for the best crema retention.
• Adjust the ratio to your taste, more water for a lighter drink, less for stronger flavor.

Americano is perfect for sipping slowly, especially if you enjoy the taste of espresso but want something you can drink in larger volume. You can also enjoy it iced by adding cold water and ice over the espresso.

It’s a great go-to for espresso fans who appreciate depth and simplicity.

(Bonus) Espresso-Based Specialty Drinks

Beyond the classic espresso drinks, there are many creative specialty options that bring a twist to tradition. These espresso-based drinks often include flavored syrups, whipped cream, or even unique milk blends. They’re perfect for those who like experimenting with taste or prefer a sweeter, more indulgent cup.

Popular specialty drinks include:

• Mocha: A latte with chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream or foam. It’s great for those who enjoy a mix of coffee and dessert.
• Affogato: A scoop of vanilla ice cream “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. It’s a delightful dessert-meets-coffee treat.
• Espresso con Panna: A shot of espresso topped with whipped cream. Rich, bold, and sweet in every sip.
  

These drinks show how versatile espresso can be. You can make them your own by adjusting ingredients or trying dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk. Orleans Coffee beans can enhance any specialty drink, thanks to their smooth, high-quality flavor profiles.